Many people around the NBA believe the Detroit Pistons need one more talented scorer to legitimately compete for a championship.
That’s why Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report thinks the Pistons should trade Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser and two 2027 second-round picks to the Sacramento Kings this offseason for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine.
“When he’s healthy, he’s one of the most potent perimeter scorers you’ll find (at least outside of the superstar ranks). You can typically pencil him for an efficient 20-to-25 points per night. And when he handles a big enough role, he’ll usually find his way to about five assists per outing, too,” Buckley wrote.
“Those are big numbers. And the facts that LaVine is overpaid ($49 million player option for next season) and wholly underwhelming on defense doesn’t change that those are big numbers. Detroit can’t dream of getting that production from anyone other than Cunningham, and it could easily feel optimistic about having enough defenders to cover for LaVine’s limitations on that end. At the right price and in the right role, the Pistons could squint and see the scoring guard as a need-filling difference-maker.”
LaVine appeared in 39 games for the Kings this season before undergoing season-ending surgery on a tendon injury in his right hand. The 31-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 47.9% from the field, 39.0% from beyond the arc and 88.0% from the free-throw line.
The Pistons could start Cade Cunningham, LaVine, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren next season if Detroit’s office acquired LaVine from Sacramento. That’s a lethal starting lineup with scoring, shooting, playmaking and defense.
LaVine has a player option worth $48.9 million for next season. He will likely pick it up since he can’t get that type of money on the open market.
A UCLA product and two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine holds career averages of 20.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls and Kings. He is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
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